“Now that I can really be myself and make music that feels honest to me, it doesn’t feel like work. It really is relaxing to me,” explains Zayn.

“When I decided to leave, it wasn’t a big build up, it had always been underlying. I never felt like I belonged in the group, I was just doing it because at the time, I felt like it was the right place for me to be.”

Zayn has always been shy and avoided the spotlight when he was still part of the band, but now he’s ready to face the spotlight alone.

“I just want this album to be about me and me standing on my own two feet. I’ve sung with four other voices for over four years now so I want to hear myself, alone for once”.

What do you make of this new interview and, of course, the sexy af pictures? Let us know over at @maximumpop.